there's a shawn out there for everyone.

Migrated

2011-06-08T01:17:00.001+10:00

Cos Tumblr is so much better.
http://shawnheng.tumblr.com

COMM 2411

2010-06-25T21:35:00.001+10:00

Another one bites the dust.
COMM2411 – HD

I can now state with utmost glee: Screw you COMM2411 I just aced your ass!

=)

Wintertime

2010-06-22T22:27:00.002+10:00

Lis is going to be done with her exams tomorrow and then it's going to be 4 weeks of bliss before the hustle and bustle of uni life swings back into full gear.

I need to find something constructive to occupy myself with, so far "freelancing" for Peter and Ken don't really count because well, the moolahs aren't coming in. On the other hand, I'm quite interested in the logo for Ken's website… well, the one I created. The one he dictated… not so much lol. I suppose that's part and parcel of a designer's life.

So, iOS 4 huh! Couldn't get my iTunes to connect to the iTunes store so couldn't update my OS from my mac. But managed to update it on Lissy's laptop and oh yeah I'm lovin' it! Really liking the folders although having a limit of 12 apps per folder was a tad irritating, had to remove a couple of apps from my phone but they weren't used at all anyway. On the whole a good OS update!

I'm liking the new trend of carrot top jeans! Check them out I think they look awesome although some might disagree.

This World Cup is one helluva ride! I'm withdrawing my support of Spain and firmly placing it behind Messi and Argentina! And yes, even though my "favourite" team North Korea got their asses handed to them by Portugal, I'm still going to go or Brazil to beat Portugal in their final group match.

Melbourne's getting dangerous. Just yesterday a gunman was loose around the Richmond area which caused a massive police manhunt and disrupted public transport into the city centre. RMIT has taken that into account for candidates who can't make examinations due to the police activity and has allowed for deferment.

That's all for now, hope everybody's having a blast of a holiday!

Revived

2010-06-17T14:19:00.003+10:00

This is my first entry from way back in March after the epic skyrun. I was pretty burnt out with uni to be honest so now that I'm done I shall do a quick recap on the past 3 months.

Firstly, I'm back in training for the Run Melbourne half marathon on 18th July! I'm supporting the Australian Cancer Research Foundation by raising funds for them so please help by donating. I know there are lots of other charities I could have picked but I feel that cancer research is a worthy cause and would be extremely beneficial to mankind in the long run. The link below brings you to my fundraising page. I know it's currently at $0 but we've all got to start somewhere.

http://runmelbourne.everydayhero.com.au/shawn_heng

Lots of exciting events happening this year. Going to catch the Australia vs New Zealand game at Etihad Stadium in July, should be one hell of a match! Also, Run Melbourne would be a warm up/tune up for a step-up training culminating in the Mind Alpine Challenge 2011. As you may or may not know, T.O.U.G.H did not finish this year and crashed out at 132km of the 160km race. My goal is to compete in the solo category next year for the 100km race. Yes, it is 60km shorter but this time I'm fending for myself with no team mate. The series of step-up races leading into Mind 2011 would be the Run Melbourne 21km in July, the St George Melbourne Marathon 42.195km in October, the MR25 Ultramarathon in December, and finally the big one next March.

All talk about training so far, let's have some updates on work. 2nd year's been going pretty well for me. Currently waiting on my results for semester 1, and I'm praying to achieve my goal of "nothing below distinction" for this semester. So far I've got 2 HDs and 3 DIs so I'd be quite bummed if a CR or a PA turned up somewhere.

The World Cup season is on! I've been catching matches so far and I'm proud of the asian countries this year, particularly North Korea if you've been following my incessant status updates on facebook. Highly hopeful of them all reaching the knockout stages. The big names have been hugely disappointing so it's time to step up and make history!

Lastly, my mom and Dion are coming over in July! Dion is enlisting in November so this would be a holiday of sorts for him before he errr… becomes a man. LOL!

Cheers and I would most definitely update real soon.

Team T.O.U.G.H dnf @ 132km

2010-03-27T09:07:00.002+11:00

Alright, I've given myself one whole week for the entire thing to simmer in the back of my mind and slowly settle in. What now seem like a distant memory did actually happen one week ago strating 4:30am. It was a gargantuan task that we looked to conquer. Here's the skyrun as I've experienced.

It was just about 6 months ago, Yang and Wilson were having one of their trademark post training nutrition when they stumbled upon the Mind Alpine Challenge – a 100 mile ultramarathon in the toughest trails of Australia (note the word "toughest"). So Yang had this crazy brainwave and rang me up, basically going "hey Shawn, we found something crazy to do. Wilson and I are going to do the MAC as a team, we want you to join us." Of course, I went all "what?!? Are you serious?" I let that thought linger and linger in my mind, thinking I've got to be hopping mad to attempt something like this without any prior ultra experience. 100 miles in 48 hours would mean we have to move at a constant pace of 4km/h and get 8 hours worth of rest. Might sound easy but here's the catch – we were ascending peaks, mountains if you will. Not just any mountain, the tallest peak in Victoria! Mt Bogong, Mt Feathertop, Mt Loch, Mt Hotham, and lots in between. Vertical distance covered will be approximately 6000m. It was indeed much more than what I would ever fathom putting myself through. So the thought stayed at the back of my mind, tickling my fancy at the oddest hours, but quite dormant on the whole. The summer break arrived and we all went back to Singapore. The 2009 Standard Chartered Marathon was next on our calendar.

Yang pulled his ITB really bad during the SCSM and was forced to walk more than half the course. Still, we finished. On a side note, SCSM has really become some sort of a cliche run that Singaporeans do, just to get their hands on the finisher tee. There is no more challenge in it, and I'm not saying so just because I've done the MAC. At the end of SCSM 2009, I vowed never to participate in another SCSM again for the simple reason that it wasn't a pure sporting event. an 8 hour finish time is nothing to be proud of but you still get a finisher tee anyway. Simply put, the challenge is gone. Back to the story. Yang pulled his right ITB pretty bad and was forced to the sidelines. Meanwhile, Wilson was calling me up and urging me to commit. The plan was to run as a team of 2 with Yang as our team manager. I gave it some thought and finally committed. I really trust Wilson for several reasons. He is a seasoned adventure racer with many big races under his belt. Ironman, Keen, XPD etc. On top of that, he was an ex commando officer. Now you don't get any crazier than that! So I was looking forward to some crazy training that would get my fat ass back in shape since I've put on quite a bit during the winter. We had all of 3 months in Singapore to train and the very first thing Wilson suggested was to get me signed up for MR25 Ultramarathon.

The MR25 – a trail ultramarathon that was unknown to most Singaporeans purely because this was one for running enthusiasts. The goal – to complete at least 5 rounds of MacRitchie in no more than 2 hours per round. My first taste of the trail would end miserably due to inadequate footwear and preparation. My feet were shot with blisters because stupid me was running the trail in Nike Frees. I managed 2 rounds, which was all of 21km. I suppose I should be somewhat happy, I did a half marathon on my virgin trail run.

Things stepped up from there, Wilson was getting me more and more into trail running and I loved it. Nothing beats running with nature in the morning to start your day. I was introduced to Jasmine, who was an international ultramarathoner that trained with Wilson. That's when I found out that she was one half of the women's team. The other half, Yihui, would come from the Singapore Women's Everest Team. Yes you read it right. It was one of the girls that have conquered Everest. As you can see, I was in deep shit with zero experience training alongside 3 seasoned athletes. Training was to intensify with Wilson planning a steep mileage programme. It was to start with a 20km Friday night run at 10pm followed by a 30km Saturday morning run at 6am, all aimed to train us to cope with sleep deprivation and night vision. This programme tapered upwards weekly to 40km runs, then 50km runs etc. All this and more as we had stair climbing sessions in the middle of the week! First we conquered Duxton Plains. Yup, all 50 storeys with 5kg full pack, 4 times. Then we managed to sneak into the stairwell of Republic Plaza and did that twice. And then there were gym sessions as well. As you can probably tell, I was burn out most of the time, because while I can take the gym sessions and stairs, the runs always leave me gutted and before you know it, the weekly cycle is complete and we started on the next. My greatest achievement in Singapore was a 7 hour 50km trail run, period. I was doing a marathon every week and I was really burnt out!

It was time to come back to Australia. Moving had to be done as I've got a new place and lots of new stuff needed to be bought. In the 2 weeks upon returning, I have essentially done almost zero training. It wasn't good and I felt the fitness that I had so painstakingly built up over the last months going down the drain. I feebly started 7km runs with pack. For stairs Wilson suggested the 1000 steps of Dandenong. To its credit, it was the most magnificent trail climb I've ever seen. I love the Dandenongs and I've been up the steps a few more times after that and many more to come I'm sure. Exactly one week to race day and we were scrambling because 2 of the original support crew suddenly had to pull out and we had to reorganize fast. Kudos to Brendan Hills for efficiently organising our support! With everything settled all we had left to do was to make it to Bogong Village.

We arrived on the Friday afternoon prior to the 4:30am start on Saturday and I got a first glimpse of the kind of people we were up against. They were all really fit looking Aussies! During the race briefing, Paul Ashton, the race director, acknowledged us as the only internationals for this year's race. Singapore had sent 2 teams and all 4 of us were hoping to do Singapore proud.

Final preparations that night was frantic for the girls, while the guys took it easy and went to sleep at 10pm. We awakened at 3am in time for a hearty breakfast and lots of photos. I had a surprise visit from Ellis, who came up to support me! We were pretty pumped heading down to the start line. This was going to be a good race.

Flag off. TOUGH was going strong hanging with the leader pack. We powered up Spione and were soon up in the high plains. We were on of the first to reach the first checkpoint at Warby Corner, where our support Brendan and Ashley were waiting for us. We pushed on again after a 10 minute break on the Bogong loop. The path up Mt Bogong was long and arduous, but the view at the top more than made up for the climb. It was spectacular. We pushed on and was back at Warby Corner before 5pm. That was a marathon distance loop. We had our delicious cup noodles at Warby and headed towards Langfords Gap where the full crew was waiting. Upon arrival at Langfords I experienced first hand the kind of support crew Wilson was raving about. As we came in, they came out and took our packs off. We were ushered to individual chairs and our shoes removed. Each were given a jacket to keep warm and a bowl of soup and hot chocolate were shoved at us instantaneously. Man, I felt like a king. A hot meal came shortly after as we got some rest before the final push of the day. We left Langfords Gap at 6:45pm and headed toward the iconic Pole 333, afterwhich we continued up to Mt Loch where our crew would be waiting with our dinner and sleeping tents. The climb up Mt Loch was horrible to say the least. I was dead tired and the climb went on forever. The winds on the top of Mt Loch was epic, so strong that it can actually blow you away. We were cold, tired, and miserable. Looking forward to just getting into the tent and getting some shut eye. We found the crew at 12:45am, got into the tents and out of the cold. Dinner was served and we got 3 hours of sleep. Waking up was going to be a bitch.

4:30am Sunday. Brendan woke us up and Yang gave us some breakfast. I took my first out field shit since 2 years ago in the army. But then again taking a dump in 100km/h winds was nothing like the mild nature of Lorong Asrama. We set off a little after 5am towards Harrietville, the only checkpoint that was an actual town. We arrived at 9:45am with me limping slightly, favouring my left knee. We had our 2nd breakfast there before our ascend to Mt Feathertop. As you can see, we were pretty well fed! But then again, we were suffering from runner's brain. To quote Paul Ashton – "runner's brain is no brain at all". Halfway up Feathertop my knee was starting to act up pretty bad. It would hurt when I stop, so I had to keep moving. Unfortunately my fitness level did not allow me to keep moving, so the struggle was there. Getting up Mt Feathertop was an experience on its own! It was really rocky and steep so one misstep would mean certain death. However, like Bogong, the reward came in the form of a stunning view. We were off Feathertop and heading down Diamantina Spur by 2:45pm. That was when the twist of fate occured. My right knee started acting up really bad all of a sudden, leaving me essentially legless. The Diamantina spur was described in the course notes as steep and some bashing required. It wasn't lying. In fact, lots of bashing was required! Imagine my agony going down the spur when I could not place any weight on either knee. A 2 hour descend stretched to 6 hours as I slowly inched my way down. We were literally going at 1.5km/h. Wilson found me 2 tree branches for me to support myself. When we finally hit the bottom it was well dark. We still had a cut-off timing to meet. We had to get to Pole 333 by 12am and it was 8:30pm. We were 4km away from Pole 333 and were racing to meet the cut-off and embark on the final leg to Bogong Village. I was pretty stoked by then, even with 2 bad knees. We proceeded to climb the trail to Weston hut which was a really steep climb. I remember going pretty strong until I decided I needed a break. Within a minute, I was shivering uncontrollably and starting to lose lots of body heat. Wilson pulled me off the trail and started a fire to warm me up. I was nearing Hypothermia and my legs just wouldn't go anymore. After 132km I was just a wreck. Team TOUGH called it quits there and then. It was 9:21pm. We would have made the cut-off. Till today I still feel really sorry not being able to carry on. Wilson was nice enough to stay with me, but I sense deep down inside that he was quite disappointed. I was rescued by the race director at 4am, which made up for half my race fee I reckon.

And so my Bogong experience came to an end. Was I disappointed? Yes. I would very much like to have completed the race, but I am proud of what I have accomplished. 132km for a total noob is no mean feat. I've hung with the best of them, and I've forged friendships that would last a lifetime. The Mind Alpine Challenge ranks top on my list of greatest moments in Australia, for now, and I'm sure many years to come.

... that is till I complete it next year. Hmmm... let the thought simmer Shawn, let it simmer.

Mind Alpine Runners

2010-03-18T20:06:00.002+11:00

This is damn amusing how this person described the runners.

Here are the crazy ones;

Solo 100ml/100km
Tamyka Bell
Darrel Robins
Jessica Robson
Andrew Vize
Phil Whitten
Melanie Parker
Andrew Hewatt
Kyvelie Tsolakis
Lisa Lucas
Innes Smith
Joe Murphy
Rick Cross
Stewart Cowey
Cameron Gillies
Phil Murphy
David McKinnon
Dale Adamson
Matt Gerrad
Delyth Lloyd
Brian Jones

Team 10K Specialists
Chris Brown
Andrea Titter
Grant Peden
Simon Wallish

Team Singapore Girls
Jasmine Wong
Yuhui Sim

Team T.O.U.G.H
Wilson Low
Shawn Heng

Team Just Doiters
Nick Likane
Dmitry Likane

Team Endurance
Leigh Murphy
Cass Murphy
Kirsty Packham

Team Olpa Waru
Oliver Keaveney
Russell Jones
Warwick Stain
Paul Doyle

Team TRV
Cathy Philo
Peter Bignell

Team Aida
Warren Nicholls
Carolyn Nicholls
Luke Nicholls
Paul Keegan
Michelle Macaronis
Todd Inglis
Paul Ainsworth
Loula Abadid

Team Mountain Goats
Craig Gallagher
Ben Gallagher
Justin Farrow
Luke Knight
Alex Chong
Matthew Van Bakel
Erica Coaley
Jason Grant
Matthew Raftis
Emily Ferguson
Chris Tew
Jason Grant

Team Mindful Ones
Monique Mennerich
Gerry Naughtin
Anne Agni
Stewart McMullin
Thea Geddes
Rob Priestly
Liz Wilde
Elinor Kamachu

Team Outer Edge
Stuart Gibson
William Morgan
Richard Bowles
Jarad Kholar
Patrick Kinsella

We've got 2 teams from Singapore!!!
Let's do Singapore proud people!

A Thoroughly Inspiring Email

2010-03-18T19:31:00.002+11:00

This is the difference between education here and back home. I wish all my lecturers were like this.
We were put into this communication module this year that had little relevance to our course of study and were rallying to get the module originally catered for us back. Here's my lecturer's response.

Hey Second-Years,

First things first: I miss all of you. I don’t expect that many of you would share that sentiment but I want all of you to know that I do miss our classes together. I know that plenty of things have been happening. Making a quick, short list: well, first, you are now in second-year; we’ve all moved to a new building; for some reason we have a lot less computers; you now have to share rooms; and we are in different classes (classes which some of us don’t really know much about nor understand the rationale behind). I know that all of that can be a little too much (or too annoying) to deal with particularly at the start of the year. And it it isn’t nice to start a new year in a negative gear.

With this e-mail I hope to give you all a slight push towards a better direction. I remember in my first year of university I had a lecturer who told me that much of design (it was graphic design back then) is all about “CVS to BVS”. That is, a Current View of the Situation to a Better View of the Situation. I hope that after reading this email we could all have a better view of our current situation.

I know that there have been many concerns about courses/classes (the new ones or the absence of the old ones). I have heard some of these concerns since the end of last year and I know that more have been raised since the start of classes this year. In all honesty I do share some of these concerns.

Now before anything else let us set some records straight:

1. From what I know (and I believe many of us lecturers in communication design share this opinion) the intention of those courses was to have a platform for communication students to work together, to interact and build a healthier understanding of their personal profession and the profession of other students in the broader field of communications.

2. We (us lecturers) agreed and believed that all disciplines (comm. design, PR, advertising, prof. comm. etc) involved in these new courses should be properly and equally represented in content (what is taught), outcome (projects) and pedagogy (how the course is taught).

3. With those intentions in mind, we supported the development of the communication strand courses and we agreed that our students should be a part of it.

4. We (us lecturers) agreed that it was best that our students took the courses at their second year. We hoped that in first year we could give you, our students, a grounding and better understanding of who you are as communication designers and by doing so you could engage with other professions more meaningfully.

5. Whether or not these first 4 points have been met is not the concern of this e-mail (although it is a concern of mine). This email is concerned with improving the situation by reaching and affecting the people who could truly make a difference—you.

I am not writing all this as an easy way of “resting” this issue. In all sincerity I ask you never to put this issue to rest. Perhaps we, your lecturers (the older ones who should know better), are failing you. We may be dropping the ball. If so, let me be first to say, I’m sorry. And allow me to ask you, partly for our benefit, but even more for the benefit of every aspiring creative-mind, show us how to do it better.

I have heard many reports of our profession being misunderstood and in some cases even disparaged and demeaned. Don’t hold that against them. They just don’t know any better. I’m not merely saying turn the other cheek and wait for another swipe. I’m saying go and understand them so that in turn they might understand your profession; that they might see that before highfalutin (pretentious) theory or any pedagogy you need the very human capacity of empathy to be a good communicator. Understand them.

I have heard that many of us do not feel that we are included in discussions or that any of the material suits our needs. I ask you: remove that from your minds. Do not think that any longer. More often than not people use words as perimeter markings. A way of saying: “this is what I know and if you want to enter here you have to climb my wall of words.” Bollocks.

Your job as communication designers is to expedite the transfer of ideas—make communication better. Don’t play that game of building walls of knowledge. Create discussions that are more textured, infinitely varied and vibrantly colourful that they will want to join in your discussions. You are intelligent. Don’t let walking thesauruses tell you otherwise. Engage with the material presented and pick up what you can. If it helps, imagine that you are archaeologists sifting through loose soil for real finds.

I am not asking you to take some moral high-ground and operate as if you are better than us or the rest of the school (although you may well be). All I am asking is that you take your job, that of a communication designer, seriously and go on to carry out your duties. Good communicators are engaged individuals. They know how to listen, to mark patterns and they know how to respond. They add value to situations rather than merely point fingers.

My dear communication designers, what you have in front of you is a communication problem. In fact, I could not have written a better brief. Now go fix it.

If you have read this far, I thank you and I hope you take on this challenge. If you see me in the halls, offer a high-five and perhaps remind me—God knows I need it—remind me that it will all be okay.

Reinar

How could you not feel motivated after reading that?

Mind Alpine Challenge

2010-03-13T00:19:00.002+11:00

I've been back down under for about 3 weeks now, apologies for not updating this blog. Just got my internet set up today. I'm excited! Starting a new sem, new challenges. None of which will be as daunting and challenging as the one I will face next weekend.

The Mind Alpine Challenge is a 48 hour, 100mile (160km) race through the trails of the Alpine Ranges of Mt Bogong. The completion rate is only about 40%, and this year, we have 2 teams from Sunny Singapore attempting this challenge.

Team T.O.U.G.H (Team Of Ultra Garang Humans) consists of my team mate Wilson Low, an ex commando officer and veteran at Ironmans and adventure racing, and me – a veteran of... well... 3 marathons? As you can see, there is a gulf of difference between us, and I want to try my hardest not to let my team mate down. We could very well be the first Singaporeans to complete this race, unless of course, the other team prevails.

Team Into The Wild – Jasmine Wong and Sim Yihui. One an experienced international adventure racer who completed a 260km desert run on her first ultra marathon, the other part of Singapore's first ever Womens' Everest Team. As you can see, they are very accomplished and are seeded to complete the race.

We've been training together back in Singapore, and to be honest, I'm often the one lagging behind in terms of physical and mental conditioning. They know what they are getting into, I don't. I've had a lot of people telling me 100 miles is a crazy distance for a first ultra, what more cross terrain. Well, I will find out for myself won't I? We are however, really motivated to do this not only as a challenge to ourselves, but also for a good cause. Not only are we racing, we are also helping to raise funds for Mind. (Will provide a link soon) We hope to bring glory to the tiny island of Singapore, and we certainly hope we can get as much support as possible.

Pain is temporary, pride is forever.

I wonder...

2010-02-19T00:43:00.002+11:00

Are my contributions really that small that it is so easily overlooked by people?
Am I too benign, too obscure, too subtle.
Must I shout?
And then I wonder if I would be remembered
When I'm gone
Will I barely leave a void?
Sometimes
I wonder...

Clarification!

2010-02-09T00:54:00.002+11:00

Am I the only one that finds the "hit" song "Nobody" by the Wonder Girls (how they ever came up with that name is beyond me, probably wondering why they suck so bad at singing and enunciation.) Seriously, that MV is just another excuse for horny men (and women, you never know) to ogle at plastic ladies who barely know how to dance too.

SO. You have heard the song, but have you truly understood it? They are music artistes afterall and their lyrics have GOT to mean something.

Well, contrary to popular belief, what you hear is not exactly what was meant. I mean, they have problems pronouncing proper words for Christs' sake! Let me give you a short summary into their song which as you would see, isn't about love, but animals!

WRONG
Nobody nobody but chu (you, for some reason)
Nobody nobody but chu
Nobody nobody but chu
Nobody nobody nobody nobody

ACTUAL LYRICS
No birdie no birdie but 猪 (see, hey can actually enunciate!)
No birdie no birdie but 猪
No birdie no birdie but 猪
No birdie no birdie no birdie no birdie

And the song goes on about this bird who was replaced by a pig.

Mutual

2010-01-08T02:42:00.002+11:00

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
If you're human, I'm human too.
Feelings are mutual, and deserve respect.
But how can I give when I don't get some back?

MR25 Ultra Marathon

2009-12-30T04:27:00.002+11:00

Took part in the MR25 Ultra Marathon over the weekend. It was when I was introduced to the multitude of garang human beings I've always knew existed in Singapore but never seen. And honestly, to see is to believe. They are people at the very peak of physical condition. No Standard Chartered Marathon posers here. Make no mistake, these people are the real deal and can put almost all 50,000 Standard Chartered Marathon runners to shame.

Being around them is a surreal experience in itself. When you are surrounded by greatness, you are forced to match them at their level. Unfortunately, I bombed, and I bombed hard. These people are what they are through much sacrifice and training. There is no way you can come amongst them without training and expect to hang. Alas, my first foray into trail running/ultra marathon wasn't as rosy as I had hope, but the experience was bountiful, and the lessons learnt, immense.

I barely made the half marathon, completing it in 2hrs 30mins. However, I have learnt that running on flat ground is childs' play compared to running in the wilderness. A lot more awareness is needed, and a lot more stamina too. Despite the failure I have realised that – this is something that I want to conquer. I know I can do it with adequate training. The Standard Chartered marathon has been milked pass its worth. It has become (for lack of a better description) a national past time. This is a real challenge, and I'm coming back for it next year.

Screw SCSM, this is much more worthwhile.

Shades That Impairs and Trucker Caps with Double Volume Height

2009-12-22T13:16:00.003+11:00

I'm just getting this out of my system because of the ridiculous occurrences that I have had the misfortune of witnessing.

Firstly, people who wear sunglasses. Do you really need to wear them inside a building? For what? Scared the lights too bright blind you is it? Make you look like COCK understand.

Pardon my deviation to Singlish, there really isn't any other way to put that message across.

Secondly, double volume trucker caps. What's up with that? Caps are meant to sit snugly on the top of your head. What, your hair needs breathing space as well? Why bother wearing a cap then? Brain need air ah? Your brain got big enough not? Make you look like ANOTHER COCK!

Offline

2009-12-13T19:33:00.001+11:00

Shawn Down Under is going offline for the next 7 days.
This reject will update again when he returns with lots of photos.

Official Semester 2 Results

2009-11-30T09:14:00.002+11:00

Woke up specially at 6am (9am Melbourne time) to check on my results, and I've got to say, a slight bit disappointing.

Design Theory B – PA (52)
Studio D – DI (72)
Studio E – DI (77)
Studio F – DI (78)

How did the pass happen? Damn... what a damper.

Reaping the Rewards

2009-11-28T03:55:00.002+11:00

A brand new DSLR – a Nikon D90 now belongs to me. Yes, it was quite a pinch in the pocket. But, a pinch well spent I reckon.

Another piece of good news. My folio results are in!
Big thanks to Adam for collecting my folios for me.

Studio D: DI
Studio D R&A Journal: DI
Studio D Folio: DI
Studio E: HD
Studio E Folio: HD
Studio F: HD

Can confidently apply for a job now. =)
Anxiously awaiting the final results on Nov 30th.

Living it up in Singapore. Can't wait to meet Ellis again!

It's Good To Be Back!

2009-11-21T11:42:00.002+11:00

The familiar surroundings, the humidity, my own bed, TV, refrigerator, kitchen etc. The feeling's just awesome. To walk through the gates and see you family and friends waiting upon your arrival. Thanks to Kevin and Minw for making the time and coming to the airport. Sincere apologies for Qantas' delay. Wait... why am I apologizing for that lousy carrier? Ok truth be told, Qantas isn't that bad, only Singapore Airlines is better! Lol!

Yet to taste any local food, but got the opportunity this morning so I'm not going to waste it!

By the way, blogged this post on high speed unlimited broadband! The speed and ease is so invigorating!

Gratituity?

2009-11-20T08:13:00.002+11:00

Got this article from Yahoo! news this morning.

Pope and John Wagner were hauled away by police and charged with theft for not paying the mandatory 18 percent gratuity totaling $16 after eating at the Lehigh Pub in Bethlehem, Pa. with six friends.

Pope claimed that they had to wait nearly an hour for their order and that she had to get napkins and silverware for the table herself.

“At this point I became very annoyed because I had already gone up to the bar myself to have my soda refilled because the waitress never came back,” Pope said.

After the $73 bill came, the group paid for food, drinks, and tax but refused to pay the tip. After explaining the bad service to the bartender in charge, Pope claimed he took their money and called police. The couple was handcuffed and placed in the back of a police car.

“I understand that, you know, we didn’t pay the gratuity, but it was a gratuity, it wasn’t something that was required,” said Wagner.

Police charged them with theft since the gratuity was part of the actual bill. However, it is doubtful that the charges will hold up in front of a judge. The couple is scheduled to appear in court next month.

Firstly, how did gratituity become part of the actual bill? Isn't it something you give out of gratitute? The word alone implies that it is not mandatory.

Gratitude – the quality of being thankful

Isn't it just ridiculous to impose gratitude? You must be grateful that I have served you, because without me the food would never have gotten to you. Hello? Isn't that part of your job description in the first place? Furthermore, by imposing gratituity charges as part of the bill, wouldn't it dampen the quality of service? It gives the staff assurance that the tip is "in the bag", why bother then? I'm going to get an 18% tip regardless so lets have some fun now shall we?

Good luck bringing the case to court I say. As for the bartender who called the cops on the couple, grow some brains.

Couple Busted for Refusing to Pay Tip

Singapore in 24 Hours

2009-11-20T00:47:00.002+11:00

The time has finally come to leave Melbourne and go back to Singapore. In 24 hours, I'd be eating chicken rice and sipping teh tarik in some obscure coffeeshop on the fringes of local suburbia.

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon – 06 Dec 09
MacRitchie Runners 25 Ultra Marathon – 27 Dec 09
Run For the Kids – 14 Mar 10
Mind Alpine Challenge – 22 Mar 09

Packed garang schedule ahead. Life's good.

The End Is Near

2009-11-18T00:05:00.002+11:00

It is officially 2 days left on the countdown to Singapore. Lots have been going on this past week, Ellis is back in Singapore and I'm still here. With just a couple of days left, God has gone and played a cruel prank on me, slowing time down to a crawl. I'm forced to occupy myself in a manner so exhaustive it is hardly comprehensible. Waking up to a morning run is a good start. The day passes ever so slowly, and it certainly doesn't help that the Sun rises at 5am and sets at 8pm.

Oh well. It's Wednesday. That's 48 hours. I'm going home! God's been good to me this year, as did everyone I've encountered during my stay in Melbourne. And now, it's time to go back home. My home. Remembered the pledge we recited on my commissioning parade – "I dedicate my life to Singapore". Sure, we laughed at it then. Little did we know how much that small island meant to us when it's taken away. I've made new friends and acquaintances over the past 8 months, but Singapore is definitely where I want to be.

Home. Family. Friends. Heart.

Moved

2009-11-10T12:28:00.003+11:00

For those of you following my brother's photoblog, he has moved (yet again).

Tumblr seems to be his site of choice. Well, blogger isn't doing such a good job retaining members anyway. It's a bitch to use and quite frankly, I would move too once I've got my camera. =)

I've updated the link so you can catch his juicy pictures from his Nikon D90 and his myriad of lenses HERE, or the link on the right div.

Oh Jia Wei's organising a food tour once we're all back in Singapore. FOOOOOOOD!

Countdown to Singapore: (still) 10 days

Spark of Insanity : Down Under

2009-11-10T00:29:00.002+11:00

Jeff Dunham's Spark of Insanity came to Melbourne's Hamer Hall today and boy did it kick ass! The man's talent to interact and react to the audience is just stunning to watch live. For those who caught Jeff's "A Very Special Christmas" show, remember guitar guy? Yeah guitar guy was awesome! And here's a little known fact – guitar guy (aka Brian Haner) is actually the father of Brian Elwin Haner, Jr. For the less informed, that's the lead guitarist Synyster Gates of Avenged Sevenfold. He was literally a sight to behold. Talented, talented guy.

Oh and Achmed was FREAKING FUNNY!!! (as usual)

Countdown to Singapore: 10 days!!!

The Forgotten Grade

2009-11-04T23:18:00.002+11:00

Remember in Semester 1 where I had a result that was withheld? Well, checked back again today to find that they have finally updated my academic history so here's my COMPLETE results for Semester 1.

Studio A - Credit (65)
Studio B - Distinction (74)
Studio C - Distinction (73)
Design Theory A - Distinction (72)

Not too shabby. Now gingerly awaiting my results for Semester 2 which will be out on December 1st. Hopefully there'll be more DIs waiting. LOL!

On a totally different note, Hulk Hogan has joined TNA and apparently given "promoter" rights. Hogan claims he is in it to help younger talent and to boost TNA's ratings and the product in general.

Two things about Hogan.
One - He is way too old, he's in it for the money. Step aside, you have nothing left to proof. More importantly, you have nothing left to give.
Two - You can't wrestle for nuts! Don't destroy TNA, a legitimate organisation that will give the WWE a run for their money, and destroy it like you did WCW with Eric Bischoff. Back down Hogan, the wrestling world needs to remember you as a legend in your time, not someone who comes in and brings two huge organisations down.

Countdown to Singapore : 15 days

From The Good Old Days

2009-10-28T00:20:00.002+11:00

I was just looking through my long forgotten photobucket account (cos I kinda remembered I had one) and found this gem of a photo.

Yup, that was me in Primary School.
That is a 11-12 year old kid, all of 75kg.
(which is by the way, almost the same weight as I am now)

Now, how can you not find that cute?

shawnTV

2009-10-27T15:37:00.002+11:00

Welcome to the new and improved shawndownunder.blogspot.com.

As you can see, there are several changes made, none of which extremely fancy or complicated. Was supposed to be a more complicated design though. Honestly, I actually bothered opening Dreamweaver to tinker with the html codes. However, it didnt work out as it was supposed to, so here's what you get. A watered-down version of what it was meant to be.

I've got to start compiling my portfolio soon, and when I'm done with compiling my 1st year's work, I'll probably post it up on RMIT's RAWS server. Not too sure yet but that's the plan.

Countdown to Singapore : 24 days

For Those With Beer Buddies

2009-10-26T19:17:00.002+11:00

Scientists at the Medical Research Council of Cambridge found beer and nuts harm male fertility. Both are full of isoflavones, which mimic the female sex hormone estrogen.

While it is okay to indulge in a beer and a nibble of Nobby's once a week, if you're trying for a baby, boost your chances of conception by switching to vodka and orange. University of California studies show that this zinc-and-folate packed drink raises sperm counts (never knew that eh?) by up to 78%.

In moderation, of course.

Australian Men's Health, Nov 2009, 'Fem-ale', pg. 26

Countdown to Singapore : 25 days

26 OCT 2009

2009-10-25T10:23:00.002+11:00

It's here! It's tomorrow! It's final submission day!!!
The countdown is finally over. Time to sit back, relax, and wake up at noon everyday!

Ok not really... more like time to get your lazy butt moving and start training for SCSM you pig.

Rejoice

2009-10-22T15:51:00.002+11:00

Everything is done and printed.
Let's see... it's Thursday, so I'm 4 days ahead of time!
Love the feeling, gives you the chance to step back and look at things differently.
So anyway, apart from workshop challenges, everything's done.
SHAWN IS OFFICIALLY FREE FOR THE SUMMER!

Boomz

2009-10-21T17:02:00.002+11:00

Not going to name any names here, but I think the image speaks for itself. How about it? Would you buy a t-shirt with this? Haha. For those of you who are lost, it's a Singaporean thing.

BOOMZ.

Website has been troubleshooted, tested and up online. No more changing! I'm left with folio compilation and printing! OMG OMG OMG!

My Affair With DreamWeaver

2009-10-21T03:23:00.002+11:00

After many painful sleepless nights, I'm happy to say that I'm finally finished with my website. It might not look professional or sleek, but lets remember that it is my first stab at web design. Will I want to major in web design? Not really. I'm not sure if i'll even open DreamWeaver again. Not if I can help it. It's 0330hrs. Website's done, and all but Studio D's packaging left. I need feedback on my website. Ask me for the address.

Countdown: 6 days to final submission.

31 days to Singapore.

Dion's got his iphone. I need one soon too.

Interesting Sports Facts

2009-10-17T09:58:00.002+11:00

Just something I saw from a magazine.

Listed are the sport with number of injuries per 1000 hours

Threadmill Running - 6
Rowing - 8
Outdoor Running - 11
Basketball - 14
Snow Sports - 16
Squash - 16
Football - 18
Rugby - 31

Does it make sense to you now why I'm so disfigured? Lol! Ok later, back to DreamWeaver.

What Better Than A Nice Crown Dinner?

2009-10-15T22:44:00.003+11:00

When you slow things down and let the world pass you by, that's when you start to appreciate the finer things in life.

Rushing only makes life miserable. Life is too short to be rushed, every moment needs to be savoured for full effect.

Of course, it's a double edged sword. But one can honestly say on hindsight that only through the complete experience, even through hard times, can one truly appreciate the good times.

Good times, like a long 2 hour dinner. =)

Redemption

2009-10-13T16:18:00.003+11:00

Ok as you can probably see, final deadline's coming cos Shawn is always blogging more than ever when it's crunch time. Talk about good time management.

Received my folios for various projects back today.

Studio D - Intrigue (HD)
Studio E - Celebrity Item (DI)
Studio F - Magazine (DI)

An extra boost to work extra hard for the finals. I got to say, I'm really happy with the HD, cos I never thought I'd break the DI barrier for Studio D (past 2 projects being mere CRs).

At the risk of sounding pompous, I kind of despise Credits. It's fine if it was a Pass or Fail or Distinction, cos it tells you where you stand. To me, a Credit's just telling you... you're not really there but I don't want to break your heart so hey, take a Credit! But that's just me yabbing.

Also, it's DION'S BIRTHDAY TODAY!!!
HAPPY 19TH!!!
That means it's 3 more working days for you. ;)

Irrelevant

2009-10-13T10:21:00.002+11:00

The official timings are in and the previously reported one is wrong.
I officially finish 4:45:54 on the clock and 4:44:59 net.
Which means... I did it below my target of 4:45:00!!! Even by a second, I'll take it!

Ok before I get overly excited, I've been looking through the race timings as well as the average timings for specific age groups. Turns out, my timing is considered VERY slow.
Of the participants aged between 20-60, the average timing was BELOW 4hrs! Hence, I'm only relevant in the 61-65 year old age group, whose average timing is 4:49:05!

That SUCKS! And here I am thinking breaking the 5hr barrier was cool.
Ok next up, training to break the 4hr mark for Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon on Dec 6th.

On a (almost) totally unrelated note, I'm officially done with 1 of my 4 final projects and looking to complete another by tonight, which leaves 2. Not too shabby, except one of them involves DreamWeaver. And I have had it known about my sentiments towards that programme. But, yeah it'll come around when it does, and I'll complete it whether I like it or not.

Counting down to 26th Oct.
Verociously counting.

While You Were Sleeping

2009-10-11T15:52:00.002+11:00

0700hrs on a Sunday morning, while most of Melbourne is still snugly tucked in their beds enjoying their slumber, I chose to spend my morning (and my $110) torturing myself.

42.195km in 4:45:49.

Not too bad considering I still had tonnes of winter weight and not much training.
Wouldn't consider this my PB though, cos of the dizzy spell at the 20 and the severe cramps to both quads from the 26 onward.

Looking forward to equaling or better the timing in Singapore.

It's started to rain now... what better weather could one ask for?
Sleep time. My poor legs.

42.195

2009-10-11T00:02:00.001+11:00

The time has come again.
0700hrs, MCG, 11 Oct 2009.
42.195km

Shall update again when I return.

Adobe DreamWeaver

2009-10-06T02:10:00.002+11:00

As frustrating as it is to place text and images where I desire, as irritating as it is to create css styles and div tags, as infuriating as it is to insert a nav bar only to have it out of place, as fucked up as it is to use the damn programme...

...I think I'm slowly starting to like this bitch of a software.

Maybe I'm just a closet technophobe.

Happy Birthday Shawn

2009-10-03T01:39:00.002+10:00

For those of you who do read my blog, or stumbled upon it somehow, well, just want to take the time to thank everyone for all the well wishes, be it via facebook, sms, email, snail mail - they are greatly appreciated.

I'm not someone who likes to celebrate lavishly, so for those who remembered, thank you. I'm growing ancient so that's probably another reason NOT to publicise my birthday. Anyhow, lots of great gifts, nice cards, surprises, cake... Ellis actually compiled a birthday card with wishes from my friends, and that was really sweet.

For those who sent me a comment on facebook, thank you for taking the time to leave that short comment. I've replied each and everyone independently. As for those in the above mentioned card, I would like to thank you here.

Big thanks to:
Miguel Tan
Samuel Koh
Liew Sing For
Adelene Valentia Wee
Kevin Tan
Wong Zhen Cong
Denise Tan
Andy Seow
Paul Lam
Dan Samitisirisuk
Albert
Ben
Marc
Shona

Also to those from home:
Da Jie
Er Jie
San Jie
Si Jie
Papa
Mama
All the kids
Dad
Mom
Dion

I've been told I have a birthday present sitting in my room waiting for me to open when I get back. Talk about having incentives to going back eh? I'm missing Singapore even more now.

On a totally unrelated note. Today being 2nd Oct means in a week it'll be 11th Oct. (Well 10th Oct comes first and don't worry I haven't forgot that important date) It's officially 7 days to the St George Melbourne Marathon. I hope I don't die, or rather, remain fit enough to walk to Uni on Monday.

There's a countdown occuring on Dion's Photoblog to the end of his misery (read-internship), so I'm starting a couple here too.
Countdown to end of semester: 23 days
Countdown to Singapore: 48 days

Can't wait.

Happy Childrens' Day

2009-10-01T00:30:00.002+10:00

There's a child in all of us.
Take the time, relive the carefree life.
We all know that kiddish feeling.
We feel it itching to burst out ever so often.
Don't hold back.
It's only one day a year.
LET IT OUT!

Have a marvelous CHILDRENS' DAY!

CREDIT

2009-09-28T20:35:00.000+10:00

Disgusted.

Public Request

2009-09-21T21:44:00.003+10:00

Somebody commented on the header. The hair looks very... gang related.
So I have decided to change it to a more narcissistic looking one!
WHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Enjoy.
=)

Intrigue - Part 2

2009-09-18T15:00:00.003+10:00

Ok this is what I've been working on. You might need to click on the picture and view it in actual size to make out the words.

Still work in progress. I shall not provide an explanation yet, so it's open to your own interpretation.

I'm still not happy with the colour blend though, don't seem to mix very well... is it too dark? Well, gonna work on it later, after a nice relaxing run and a nice refreshing dinner. =)

Intrigue

2009-09-18T14:56:00.002+10:00

This is NOT my Studio D - Intrigue photo, just a random picture I took when I first came to Australia. It was a really lucky shot and I think it works really well for intrigue.

What do you think?

I Hate Clubbing

2009-09-13T02:28:00.002+10:00

Just in case the title wasn't clear enough,

I HATE CLUBBING.

Ask me why and I'll gladly name a thousand and one reasons.

Le Kua Simi

2009-09-09T00:04:00.003+10:00

Sorry I just couldn't help it.
I LOVE THIS SONG!!!
All that bastardized English! SINGLISH!!!

All my friends say I'm a chiongster
Who likes to drink teh si
My civic may be lao pok chia
But can almost hit 50
I just minding my own business
Why the others all cut me
They change lane don't use signal and
They always challenge me
Le kua simi, le kua simi?
(Eh kua simi? See what see)

See the light red turn green
See my super chio rim
Even though your car faster than me
My Honda still more swee
You may think you reach there faster than
You can order your ice cream
Le kua simi? Le kua simi?

I only earn $900, but my petrol $550
They say now is the downturn but
My car got leather seat
I know my car is not last forever
Because of COE
But a man must have his vision
And his density
Wa kua simi? Wa kua simi?

Find more girl at the bar
When they see my new car
They got feeling the techno beat
My bass tube sibei tua
I will drive you to Mount Faber and
Together we see star
Le kua simi?

Le kua simi tonight
Got sea and got mountain
You and me tonight
We going to reach milky way
Together we can join to make the down payment
Get a better car that I can afford

Zor kang cannot kiao kah
I must work extra hard
I must work in the sun until my face become chow tah
When patience is a virgin
You must wait long long time
No ah beng at the traffic light
Can hope to challenge me
Le kua simi? Le kua simi?

The Stretching Myth

2009-09-08T12:21:00.002+10:00

Conventional Thinking: regular stretching is important.
Uncommon Wisdom: Stretching is worthless for distance runners.

Whether you stretch or not, you probably assume it is important. Doesn't it make you more flexible, more injury-resistant, even faster? But if that's all true, why is it that many Kenyans don't stretch? Why was legendary coach Arthur Lydiard not a fan of stretching? Why does Galloway say: "In my experience runners who stretch are injured more often, and when they stop stretching the injuries often go away?" And why do many studies keep popping up that show stretching may cause as many injuries as it prevents?

"Most runners have an unjustified faith in the benefits of stretching," says Paul Ingraham, a runner, massage therapist, and health journalist. "Plentiful research has shown that stretching doesn't help you warm up, ease muscle soreness, prevent injury, or enhance performance. In fact, no measurable, significant benefit of stretching has ever been proven."

Science backs him up. In reviews of the scientific literature on stretching in 1999 and 2000, published in the British Medical Journal and the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, stretching was found to have no statistically significant effect on reducing muscle soreness or injuries. A 2008 study of 1020 soldiers – half stretched and half didn't – found no difference in the frequency of injuries.

Ingraham's message is that you don't need to feel guilty if you do little or no stretching. But he admits that he still stretches some, simply because it feels good. If you're careful and enjoy stretching, you don't have to stop either. But if you're not sure how to stretch, don't have time, or hate doing it, don't bother.

Bob Cooper,
Runner's World, Sept/Oct 2009
The Rules (Revised), pg 47

Reality TV

2009-09-08T11:05:00.002+10:00

Just felt like I've been on an episode of amazing race or survivor or something.

Yesterday was supposed to be the deadline for our Studio D shampoo project.
After the usual exhibition where everybody appreciates others' work, David went on his usual long rant (it was an hour long!) and culminated with "your deadline is next week". Like what the hell!? This is seriously frustrating.

More improvements to be done on the shampoo bottles now. I've spent almost $100 on it. Blast...

Shawn's Week Out of Uni

2009-09-03T21:57:00.002+10:00

Apparently a mid sem break eh?

I'm so bummed with my magazine. Not too well conceived on the design aspect, but I reckon its got a helluva riveting read. And my god has Tania not replied to my email consultation. It's one thing to aspire to finish your work by last Sunday, but thwarted by something beyond your control? Damn.

Got my shampoo labels printed. The female one's done, with the male one lacking the all important jac paper. I like my concept, not too sure if it was translated well into reality though.

Power Potion for Hair.

Yep, that is the label for both genders.

Been working hard on the getting the stamina back on track the past week. Still not back in the groove for long distances (read: distances over 5km) yet, hoping to get back to doing 10km in 50 mins soon. Melbourne Marathon's 6 weeks away, god bless me eh?

Ok, Family Guy's coming on soon. Still the old mark for Family Guy.

1 Up

2009-08-30T16:18:00.002+10:00

It's one thing to be good at drawing.
It's another to have good concepts.

It's a whole new level if you have both.
Not many do, but many think they do.

I don't, do you?

Rants

2009-08-30T00:38:00.003+10:00

Just had a whale of a time the past couple of days.

Caught Chicago: The Musical yesterday evening and I've got to say, I'm definitely appreciating Broadway and musical more now. I thought the performers were great, and the orchestra was immaculate. Yeah, I was taking notice of the orchestra more than the performers. Weird eh? Haha.

Oh South Africa defeated Australia in on helluva rugby match. RSA led 15-0 in only the first 10 minutes with 2 soft tries let in by a very lethargic Wallabies side. Subsequent tries by Bryan Habana was reaaaaally awesome. Australia fought back hard in the second half and Matt Giteau got himself on the score sheet twice. A last minute try by Lachie Turner summed up the Wallabies' night against a very on-form Springboks team.

South Africa 32 vs Australia 25

I think I might join Melbourne Uni's touch team.

hide's Psychedelic Pink Spider Guitar Pick

2009-08-25T01:20:00.005+10:00

Create a label for a celebrity with the emphasis on typography. Do not use recognizable imagery. Background can take the shape of something but must be of a single solid colour. No tints, no shades. Using an existing font, match it to qualities inherent in your chosen celebrity and create a label that will market an item that might be a product from the chosen celebrity's own product range.

Didn't have much trouble choosing a celebrity. Those who know me will know its pretty much self-explanatory.

Hideto Matsumoto - aka hide.

Introducing:
hide's Psychedelic Pink Spider Guitar Pick.
(white areas to be trimmed out)
It folds down the middle so its coloured on both sides. Guitar pick goes on the space just under his name on the right hand side. I had to tweak the font sizes of the words "Psychedelic", "Pink" and "Spider" and track them inwards so that it doesn't look so... wrong. Anyway, no physical manipulations have been inflicted on the type, merely reflections, rotations, and changes in font size.

A prize for anyone who can guess the typeface.
(It's definitely one of your default fonts in both Mac and PC.)

*even though I exported it in RGB, the colours still don't exactly match what I have on screen. Hmmm... anyway the pink is definitely more concentrated - like hide's hair, and the yellow is essentially the same as his Burny Yellow Heart.

Photocopier

2009-08-21T21:47:00.002+10:00

Just completed the financial layout page for Blair's project. Dang.. took me almost half a day. I hate inDesign. Ok maybe hate is too strong a word. I dislike how inDesign doesn't allow you to edit images like photoshop and they don't allow layer transparency. It was really irritating finding a way around the transparency thing. Well maybe there is a way, but until I find out I guess I'll just be doing extra work the hard way.

Anyway, I've realised that the current bunch of projects in Uni have brought out a certain "advertiser" in me. I enjoy advertising and marketing an object. Packaging it in a unique and special way. Maybe it's too soon to tell, but that is definitely an option for the future.

Kevin, if you're reading, leave Singapore! Haha. Ok I'm not a deserter, neither am I a traitor, and quite frankly, I've sworn before the flag that I would "dedicate my life to Singapore". But yeah, think about it. Singapore is so oversaturated with designer-wannabes. And I'm not saying that I'm even qualified to comment, but not half of them are even worth looking at. Consider, if it is within your means, an education outside of Singapore. Somewhere where you are not judged only on the outcome, but also your potential. The market is full of repeated designs, especially in Singapore, where people will take a liking to something, and mass produce. I'm sure you've encountered these clients - with a predetermined outcome in their mind, changing and changing to make the outcome suit their mental product. A brief should be interpreted by the designer. It shouldn't be something that explicitly tells you step 1 through to the end. A secondary school kid can do that. What you want to seperate yourself with from the masses is your ability to interpret the brief to produce something fresh and creative.

Verbal diarrheoa rant... haha. But yeah I guess I'm just very passionate about the state of design in Singapore. It's no longer a creative place, it's a photocopy machine.

Singlish

2009-08-19T23:31:00.005+10:00

Limpeh ai kong singlish ah buay tahan want to indulge in super rojak engrish cham hokkien with malay and cheena. Wa ai kong a language indechiperable by outsiders because they tak boleh tahan this kind of thing.

Wah lan eh...

20th Nov '09

2009-08-19T00:13:00.002+10:00

Mark this date, Shawn's going back to Singapore.

I'm going back to eat all the food that I am so deprived of.
I'm going back to eat bak chor mee.
I'm going back to eat char kuay teow.
I'm going back to eat fried hokkien mee.
I'm going back to eat lor tau kua.
I'm going back to eat $3 chap chye png.
I'm going back to eat roti prata
I'm going back to eat the chilli I so love.
I'm going back to eat REAL FOOD.

I'm going back to the sweltering heat.
I'm going back to buses that come every 5 minutes.
I'm going back to trains with 2 minute intervals.
I'm going back to cheap taxi fares.
I'm going back to cheap food.
I'm going back to cheap transportation.
I'm going back to buy my iPhone 3G(S).
I'm going back to get my Nikon DSLR.

I'm going back for Standard Chartered Marathon.
I'm going back for internship.
I'm going back for my neglected guitar.

I'm going back to family.
I'm going back to friends.
I'm going back to my own house.
I'm going back to my own room.
I'm going back to my own kitchen.
I'm going back to what's mine.

20th Nov 2009.
I'm going back.
Home.

Peer Review

2009-08-17T17:51:00.003+10:00

Ok peer review done on the fringe festival item.
More reviews appreciated.

Fringe Festival

2009-08-17T00:25:00.003+10:00

Front

Back

Project 1 Brief
Fringe Festival Item

Define:
A. the overall "personality" of your hypothetical fringe festival.
B. the demographic audience that your communication item will be aimed at.

These will act as a basis and a guide to the development and direction of your conceptualizing and designing.

Your design solution must include the following components:
1. Hero image
2. Fringe festival title
3. Text that states when the festival is
4. text that state where it will be - location

Format:
A 2-sided print item that is no larger than A3.
____________

As usual I'm going to rant on in my rationale and explanation but bear with me.

Rationale

I have decided to work this fringe festival as part of a reoccuring annual festival held in Melbourne called the O.M.F.G - Official Melbourne Fringe Getaway. This hypothetical fringe festival is held annually and encourages participation with regards to its yearly theme.

This year, O.M.F.G is promoting Wrestling and Theatre. The similarities between the two may be greater than one may imagine as both are brilliant art forms in their own right and both are performed in front of a live audience. Wrestling is essentially violence-infused theatre and hence the reason for O.M.F.G to combine and promote the two as a fringe festival.

The fringe festival item is a flyer that is handed out to the general public that takes the form of a mask that can be worn on both sides. One side is a pure graphical representation of a Lucha Libre mask fused with a opera mask to bring emphasis to it’s theme for this year’s festival, while the other side is a myriad of paint splashes with the event title and event information. This side signifies the colourful performances that is wrestling aand theatre.
The mask is deliberately designed to perform independantly, hence the public can decide which side to wear the mask on to suit their mood/personality. It functions as either a crudely stuck together mask, or a colourful mask.

It is a flyer, mask, as well as a promoter of the vibrancy of the arts.

Reflection

Coming up with a theme was the most tedious as it involved lots of brainstorming. Ideas that came to mind included a cosplay festival, a rugby festival, as well as a power rangers festival. However, I recalled a picture that I have came across that featured a mask made out of crudely stiched parts and conceived the wrestling/theatre idea.

The idea of making the item as “fringe” as possible was quite a challenge as well. I wanted the object, whatever it is, to function independantly on each side (2-sided printed item that is no larger than A3).

I wanted the item to be something practical in which the user could see as fresh and different and hence want to keep the flyer instead of just throwing it away. Given that Melbournians are relatively into theatre (based on the number of people catching performances every night), as well as how they like to spend quality family time (bringing their kids to fairs etc.) I observed that children then to be very receptive to something in which they can wear (a hat, glasses etc), thus the idea of a mask shaped flyer.

Coming up with an event title was also an ardious task because I wanted the title to be an abreviation that would attract attention. Something like SEX, but it’s too overused. My initial idea of WTF was to capture the attention of the youngsters as they are all very exposed to internet lingo. However, considering the actual abreviation (What The F...) and the feel of the festival, I decided to go with O.M.F.G instead. When read as is, it conveys the message of excitement (Oh My F...ing God!), while it also stood for the Official Melbourne Fringe Getaway. I thought both abreviations were very relevant to the annual festival which aims to be alternative, fresh, and very exciting.
____________

Hope that wasn't too much of a read.

The Big Difference Between The Education Systems

2009-08-13T21:48:00.002+10:00

Today's a great example of why I chose the Australian education system over its Singaporean counterpart.

We had a submission today for a project that involves us "talking to strangers" and then translating that experience onto an A0 size poster in black and white. Everyone had a different experience depending on the strangers they have spoken to and the outcomes were vast and diverse. Everybody approached the project from their distinct "designer" point of view and I dare say the solutions were all lovely.

My classmate Soli begged to differ and produced a solution that questioned the brief. A blank A0 sized piece of paper with a simple paragraph in the middle that stated something to the effect of "an experience between two individuals cannot be translated onto a piece of paper for it is priceless." It proceeded to criticise the brief and made it quite clear that if the lecturers wanted to know the experience, that they spoke to her directly.

Now, this kind of thing will definitely be frowned upon in Singapore. The student would most probably be thought to have failed the project. Soli, however, got the praise of the lecturers for challenging the brief and was told that was exactly what they were looking for. I think I can safely say that she aced that project.

I believe for Singapore to move forward in the design industry, one needs to accept the fact that design is not purely cosmetic, but functional. It is about designing what best suits the client's brief, and not what looks best.

If Singaporeans are ready to stop criticism and embrace design in its functionality, I would say that we are finally taking a right step forward.

A Good Day for All the Wrong Reasons

2009-08-11T16:44:00.002+10:00

It's just one of those days where things just don't really go your way.
Thought I'd catch a tram down into the city so that I could save some valuable time walking. Who knew? Got busted by some undercover tram inspectors. And they blend in so well too. Guess you've got to give them credit. Don't F*** with the Melbourne tram system cos it's gonna turn right around and bite you in the ass. Anyway, there goes my $170. Nope, not a good way to start the day at all.

Guess I'd be dieting over the next week if anyone's looking for me.
Might be some good done anyway.
See.
There's a silver lining in every cloud.

NDP 2009

2009-08-05T11:59:00.002+10:00

National Day's approaching and here's how important it is to most Singaporeans here in Melbourne.

So the live streaming was on Sunday and there are tickets to that event. Also, there's a pre-NDP mambo event and there are also tickets for that. It's so funny how all the clubbing tickets were sold out in mere days while there're still a huge bunch of NDP tickets left.

One question
WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT MAMBO???

Designing with Type

2009-07-28T00:04:00.003+10:00

Ver. 4
Ver. 3
Ver. 2
Ver. 1

Either write, or find a passage of text that is no less than 100 words.

Use your raw text in any manner, repeating the text if you wish to suit your visual exploration and creativity.

Produce 4 versions: Produce 4 x alternative creative layout designs utilising only text.
NOTE: you are required to apply the same text to all of the 4 design solutions. All designs are to be developed as purely black and white - no greyscale.

> Version 1: Use one font only

>Version 2: Use two different weights of the same typeface design.

>Version 3+4: Any font style and weight combinations.

Format 200mm x 200mm

Open to comments.

Melbourne City Logo Makeover

2009-07-23T10:55:00.002+10:00

It seems Melbourne City's getting an upgrade in the form of a new logo.
Or what counts as an upgrade it seems.

$25, 000 spent on a new logo design that looks like something a prep school student could do on MS Paint. The new logo has drawn lots of flak regarding its representation of the city's vibrant and creative vibes. Many commenting that it is merely a "cut-and-paste" design of Federation Square.

Residents of the city of Monash are crying foul too, stating that the new logo is much too similar to theirs - that of a big "M", of which they have been using since 1995, and actually stood for something.

Compare the logos above, the top being the previous logo and the 2nd being the "upgrade". Now, look at the 3rd picture (Federation Square) and tell me you don't agree it's a rip off. Then have a look at the last picture, which is the logo of Monash. Appalled yet?
*Pictures do not enlarge*

You can read more of the article at this link.

Whether or not it is worth the taxpayer's money, you be the judge.

A Look Out My Window

2009-07-23T10:44:00.001+10:00

Awaken to grey skies.
It's so dark and cold it's depressing.
Kinda like Soviet Russia.
Hmmm...

Typography, and a Little Porn

2009-07-22T01:15:00.004+10:00

I think my typography lecturer is just amazing. The amount of drive and influence he has on the topic is really infectious. Plus, he is really good at what he does! It was a real pleasure hearing him share his knowledge on typography. About the weights, textures, tonal values, accenders, decenders, counters, subtle differences... the topics were just boundless. One can really see that he is at the zenith of his field by the passion he displays while talking about type.

"Type is just like clothes. You have to select them. What suits you might not suit someone else. It is an intricate design. It is woven finely, like a shirt. And it should be smooth and pleasing to the eye."

Gosh I can't wait to get more out of him.

Anyway, caught Avenue Q today!!! Omg was it a blast! The show had me in stitches the entire time! I'm really glad I caught it here since I missed the one in Singapore. The cast, albeit not the original broadway one, were terrific. And they added an Aussie flavour by deviating a little from the script so that we can relate. Like there was a scene where the entire cast poured out into the audience to collect "donations" and when they got back on stage to examine the loot, one of them found a 2 hour metcard that had only 5 minutes left. Definitely recommended!

Oh and Trekkie was awesome. And you know the ad for Avenue Q that said "live puppet sex"?
Yup.
It's true.

Bitchin'

2009-07-20T22:14:00.003+10:00

What a start, oh my god
Assignments assignments assignments, lots!
Whatever happened to the famed first week
Where we can all just go to school and sleep
Well why then this big rude shock
Homework's in and fun is out
No need to worry, they all say
First week's all about laugh and play
For catching up with all your pals
And chatting up those cute new gals
But no, oh no, this cruel joke
Work is assigned as soon as my lecturer spoke
First sem is nothing but a breeze
Your workload's doubled! That's the jist!
Forget the slacking, 3 day week
Time to work your ass off, so to speak
Two new softwares to learn at hand
Looks like I've got new best friends
Adobe Dreamweaver and InDesign
Not very easy, you would find
But nevertheless I shall endeavor
ID and DW can kiss my posterior
To lead, excel and overcome
May be a daunting task to some
But I shall make it out to be
Because Shawn Heng wants his beloved HD

Probably a feeble attempt at poetry but I wanted it to end with a HD. Ha! Screw you if you didn't think that was good! LOL!

SCSM 2009

2009-07-19T01:02:00.002+10:00

Alright I've registered for Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009. Woooo~

Ok now to train. It's gonna be hard training in cold weather then going back to the hot humid messy air in Singapore.

Next up, to register and train for Melbourne Marathon in October. I think its kinda messed up that Adidas is dropped and New Balance is the new sponsor but aww well.. At least the Melbourne Marathon is sponsored by Asics! Yay!! But the sad thing is the registration fee is so high and you have to buy the event tee and running tee. Double aww...

Anyway, school's reopening on Monday. Back to school, back to school. Hope I do better this sem. I really miss Singapore. Heh...

Results

2009-07-14T20:18:00.002+10:00

Yup, results were out yesterday and to be honest, I wasn't very happy with them.

Studio A: Credit (66)
Studio B: Distinction (74)
Studio C: Distinction (73)
Design & Theory A: Result Withheld

My theory result was withheld due to some complications that involves 11 other students so until the lecturer returns from break, I wouldn't know what went wrong. Oh well. Hoping nothing goes wrong cos I worked really hard on that project.

Anyways, on another note, I've been composing!
Ok maybe not really composing, more of editing if you will.
I've converted "Lemon Tree" into what's now my favourite song, "Yellow Pee"~!

Yellow Pee (Sung to the tune of Lemon Tree)

I'm sitting here in this boring room
Just another rainy Sunday afternoon
I'm spending my time, I've got something to do
I try to get it out but it won't get through
And nothing ever happens, and I wonder

I'm trying to shit in my car
I'm pushing hard hoping I will get far
I'd like to change my point of view
It's so smelly that I'd rather see you
But nothing ever happens, and I wonder

I wonder how, I wonder why
When I'm constipated I cannot Pang Sai
And all that I can see
Is just a stream of yellow pee
I'm turning my ass
Round and round
I'm turning turning turning turning turning around
And all that I can see
Is just a sea of yellow pee

Say Mmmm (forceful like shitting)

I'm sitting here, I have no power
I'm trying so hard I am biting a towel
There's a heavy turd as big as my head
I feel so tired I wanna go to bed
But nothing ever happens, and I wonder

Constipation is not good for me
Constipation, I don't want to keep sitting here and pee
Finally now I'm a happy boy
I crapped out the turd and now I'm filled with joy
After everything that's happened, now you wonder

You wonder how, you wonder why
When I'm constipated I cannot Pang Sai
And all that you can see
Is just a stream of yellow pee
I'm turning my ass
Round and round
I'm turning turning turning turning turning around
And all that you can see
Is just a sea of yellow pee

You wonder wonder

You wonder how, you wonder why
When I'm constipated I cannot Pang Sai
And all that you can see
Is just a stream of yellow pee
I'm turning my ass
Round and round
I'm grinding grinding grinding grinding grinding around
And all that you can see
And all that you can see
And all that I can see
Is just a sea of yellow pee

Rejoice

2009-07-10T19:06:00.002+10:00

Just got back our folios today. Here are the TENTATIVE results before the combined one goes live on Monday 13th July.

Studio A :
Credit

Studio B :
(Colourways) Distinction
(Repeat Patterns) Distinction
(Movie Poster) Distinction

Studio C :
(Live Drawing) Distinction
(Metamorphosis Flip Book) Distinction
(3 Conversational Cards) High Distinction

Nervously awaiting the final results. Hopefully I get Distinctions for everything after moderation! Wish me luck!

Centennial

2009-07-01T23:27:00.003+10:00

This is a milestone centennial post for shawndownunder. It has taken me 6 months to get to a century so I would reckon this blog will contain almost 600 posts by the time I graduate.

Just completed my first foray into website design. Got to admit, it looks freakishly amateurish - akin to something produced in prep school. I've seen better stuff done by some adolescent on their myspace or facebook page. Anyway, I'm not a trained web designer. Got zero knowledge on web design softwares. And yes, I did it entirely on photoshop. Haha!

Kevin's bound to have something to say.

Fragile

2009-06-26T11:33:00.002+10:00

The King of Pop is dead.
Michael Jackson dies at the age of 50.
While undoubtedly freaky toward his end, he was the innovator of his time and an excellent entertainer and performer.
MJ has provided our generation with hits such as Thriller, Billie Jean, etc.
Makes you wonder how fragile life can be.
Here one moment, gone the next.

Be Grateful

2009-06-24T02:43:00.002+10:00

Victoria's just suffered its first casualty from the H1N1 virus.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/testing-delay-for-states-first-swine-flu-victim-20090623-cve4.html

Important stuff to note:

But despite his symptoms, Dr Lester said Mr Splatt was not tested for the H1N1 virus until he was transferred to Maroondah Hospital in Melbourne on Friday. She said his test results came back yesterday — three days after he died of respiratory failure.

When asked why this took so long, Dr Lester said the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory that processes H1N1 tests had been busy.

She then went on to say that "The important thing to remember here is that this man was managed appropriately on his clinical picture. The fact that it was H1N1 swine flu would not have made any difference to his management."

Is this the way hospitals are equipped to deal with the H1N1 virus? Because if it is, I certainly wouldn't want to be in Victoria. The fact that she said "The fact that it was H1N1 swine flu would not have made any difference to his management" seriously put doubts on Australia's medical institutions. Are they not treated separately? Are they treated in the the vicinity as any other patient? How could he NOT be managed differently?

Be grateful of what you have in Singapore, and pray none of us here in Australia gets it.

Start Working

2009-06-24T01:13:00.003+10:00

Dude, gotta start working gotta stop slacking.
Illustrator and Photoshop ain't gonna learn themselves.

Currently hooked on:
1) The Big Bang Theory
2) Samurai Sentai Shinkenger
3) Friends (seasons 1 - 10, believe it or not)

The Circumscribicus Connotationus Theorum

2009-06-21T00:51:00.002+10:00

Just today I was out shopping in DFO Essondon when I came across a Puma store with this large advertisement masterfully adhered onto the shop window with the following words enticing potential customers into the establishment in which the merchandise is sold.

"40% Off Everything."

So with that in mind, one would immediately relate it to the fact that everything in the store, regardless of race, language or religion (ok pun very much intended), would be discounted to a 60% rate of the retail price.

One is also subconsciously aware of the fact that business psychology is very prevalent in our modern society, and hence would deduce that if one spots a price tag that is of a significantly different colour and indicating a substantially different price, it would mean that the discount is void of that particular product.

Hence, when I saw a pair of shoes with a white price tag that said $50.00, and an orange tag beneath it that read $30.00, it would be safe to assume that the pair of shoes was retailing at $30.00 and no further discount would be relevant to the product because it has a bright orange sticker taggy thingy to differentiate it from the other white sticker taggy thingies.

Well.

Imagine my shock when it was scanned and the salesgirl told me "$18.00".

Yup.

Has conventional social idiocyncracies led us to associate brightly coloured tags for exceptions? Are we incapable of comprehending things the way they are presented to us? 40% off everything. EVERYTHING!

By the way, I've got a pair of Puma shoes for $18.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Procrastination

2009-06-18T23:09:00.002+10:00

Hey there. I've been relieved of the burden of going to school for almost one and a half weeks now and the more time you have on your hands, the more you procrastinate.

I've been telling myself to update this damn blog for ages, buuuuuut, too lazy. Haha! Ok just so you can catch up with what's happening in my life, I have one month of freedom before semester 2 commences. And in this month, I intend to -

1) Get back in shape.
2) Start T.O.U.G.H training.
3) Read through all my required readings.
4) Finish Angels and Demons.
5) Finish Catch-22. (It's actually the title of a really good book! Didn't know till my lecturer pointed it out. Go have a look!)
6) Master layer/vector masking.
7) Learn Displacement.
8) Brush up on Illustrator.
9) Read up on digital photography fundamentals.
10) Find a better place to stay and move out of this shit hole.

Australia defeated Japan 2-1 yesterday. Just as well I gave it a miss. Didn't want Australia to win anyway. Haha! Tim Cahill scored both goals in case you're wondering.

It is seriously FREAKING COLD now! And it's not even winter... I need a winter jacket soon.

Oh interesting note (for Miguel), there's a shop selling Onitsuka Tigers for AUD$50! And they change designs like every week! It's my new favourite shop man.

Everybody's going home... I miss home. Awwwwwwwwwww.

I Love Japan

2009-06-09T00:09:00.002+10:00

Where are those "I Love Japan" jackets you see all the time in Adidas shops when you need them? There were tonnes of them in Singapore and I can't find a single one here.

Damn.

Was going to go to the World Cup qualifiers in the Japanese national jersey, but... it looks like crap. Aww..... Well we'll see what I can find.

Submission!!!

F.R.E.E

2009-06-08T06:58:00.002+10:00

Shawn is now officially F.R.E.E!
F.R.E.E = Finally Really Extra Eng ('eng' means free for those who don't understand)

This is a miracle. Uncharted territory. History is in the making. Shawn has completed his work an amazing 2 days before submission! A giant leap for mankind!

Oh well. Nothing to do now except enjoy the Queen's birthday. Never knew Australia has a Queen though... Weird.

来啊！谁要出去玩阿？

Looking forward to watching Japan vs Australia World Cup Qualifier LIVE from MCG!
And yeah, of course I support...

JAPAN!!!

Movie Poster

2009-06-02T16:15:00.003+10:00

Ok. Consulted with Blair this morning. Tweaked my composition a little, and this is what I'm submitting.

I'm officially sick of movie posters.

Time to begin on 3.0 and my challenge.

Of Movie Posters and Conversational Cards

2009-06-02T09:35:00.003+10:00

Ok seriously, you know how long I've been working on this damned movie poster. Since donkey weeks ago I've been posting roughs. Aww well. I think I'm finally settling for this set. Don't care. Apart from refining, I'm not touching them anymore. Oh yeah if the main title page looks weird to you, it's because I haven't touched up the face. But bitch about that on my tag board if you want. I'm always open to criticism. =)

Conversation cards. Yup, I said I was going to post them, so here they are. I know, the protagonist barely looks like Dion, but hey, I tried. LOL!

Today's Adelene's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY from Melbourne to Perth!

In other news, today is also challenge day. Which means I'm completing my challenge today and starting on 3.0.

Shawn Heng on overdrive. (Yeah right)

Sundown

2009-06-01T02:04:00.003+10:00

Dion just completed Sundown 2009.

Awww man.. I'm itching to run but it's freezing. 8 deg isn't exactly the nicest of weathers to take a jog in. And when they say you pile on the calories during winter, they weren't kidding. The colder it gets, the more you eat. Ooooo.. remember the Shawn from 4SAB? LOL! But seriously, no way I'm going back to that!

8 days and counting to submission. I've just finished my 3 cards, with Dion as my subject. Haha. I'll post that up soon(ish). Flip book is hell. I'm still halfway through most stuff. Better get cracking on them pronto.

List of things to do.
1) Studio A - Project 3.0 Photo imagery
2) Studio B - 3 conversational cards + metamorphoses flip book
3) Studio C - Movie Poster splash page, sypnopsis page, genre page, rationale page, screenshots page.
4) Design Theory - Challenge: designing a pair of shoes

Ok time's ticking check this space soon I'll definitely find some time to bitch/comment about work.

Ta~

Manchester United vs Barcelona FC

2009-05-27T01:14:00.002+10:00

Manchester United takes on Barcelona FC today in the Champions League final!
Still remember watching last year's final in a comfy hotel room in Koh Samui.
Man U beat Chelsea!! OMGOMGOMG!
And now, Mmy moolah's on Man U to kick Barca's Spanish ass!
Manchester United will remain champions of Europe!

GO MAN U GO!

GLOOOOORY MAN UNIIIIIIIIIIIITED~

TOUGH's got a new meaning

2009-05-27T01:05:00.003+10:00

I've just realised all my recent posts have been work related.
Oh well, it's submission in 2 weeks so I guess I'm going to be updating sporadically for now.

On a lighter Shawn related note, Yang and I plan to start garang training regime after his exams!
Yang's gearing up for his Ironman in Langkawi next year and me, Melbourne marathon in Oct as well as Standard Chartered in Dec.

Train train train!!!

We've came up with a name, rather spastic, but a name nonetheless.

T.O.U.G.H
Team Of Ultra Garang Humans

Haha yeah, retarded. But then again, we're quite serious about tough training. I want my six pack! LOL!

Insane people welcome to join. Sign up now! I guarantee better results than Fitness First or whatever crap gym that's sucking your money.

Movie Poster continued

2009-05-22T09:59:00.004+10:00

e

Hey there! Thanks for all the comments. The previous one was a working progress, so thanks for all the constructive criticism!

I've uploaded the few new ones, hopefully they look more decent. By the way one of the criteria of this project is that I have to include myself in the poster. Hence it is not some bad case of self idolization. Oh and I have to minimise the use of black and white, therefore a lot of really light tints and really dark shades are used. If you see them as black or white on your computer screen, you're probably using a PC. HAHAHAHA!!

The title has been changed to "Catch-22", which is a slang for "dilemma". My caption is "fight for honour, fight for your life", from the song M.I.A by Avenged Sevenfold. I want that song as the soundtrack man!

5 projects due in June! Chiong ah!!!

Movie Poster 2.0

2009-05-18T00:33:00.002+10:00

Been busy the past week, 5 projects due in June and not too much time to get them done. And I intend to break the HD barrier! Haha!

Ok I've scrapped the crime movie poster cos I don't think it'll work out and it doesn't make for much of a story. I mean... how much can a guy with a camera do? And it doesn't help that I have to be in the poster.

Have decided to concentrate on 'war' instead. I've tonnes of stock photos of me in the army, and story's shouldn't be that hard to fabricate.

I've done up a draft, hopefully not too shabby looking. Ok pardon the cheesy movie title, I've got to place a title somewhere to get the feel. LOL! Comments please people, as usual. And oh, if you have any interesting title suggestions, do include them as well!

Hmm.. maybe some fighter planes in the background? Oh well, I'll work something out.

Supermassive Ego Boost

2009-05-11T22:12:00.003+10:00

Shawn Heng's just got a huge psychological and egoistic boost.

Studio B Drawing and Illustration : Distinction
Studio A Tattoo : Distinction

That's 2 Distinctions in a day!!!
I'm currently treading on cloud 9.

Next stop, HD!

Movie Poster in The Making

2009-05-09T13:52:00.002+10:00

Ok this is nowhere near complete, just playing around with possibilities. Anyways remember the pattern project? Yeah I'm supposed to incorporate the pattern here, so I've selected crime for my movie theme. This poster draws influence from The Godfather, Goodfellas, and Scarface. I haven't put the pattern in but I don't really know how a movie poster should be like so input is much appreciated here.

Enjoy.

Gogoplata

2009-05-09T12:21:00.004+10:00

Ok just many random stuff crossing my mind.
I'm just so interested in MMA and Brazillian Jiu Jutsu.

Yeah yeah, whatever. I think its really useful someday anyway!

Oh and I just saw the gogoplata move on youtube, as well as an alternate gogoplata if the initial one is blocked. Awesome.

Video link: Gogoplata
Video link: Wicked Gogoplata

Murphy's Law of Bullshit

2009-05-09T11:47:00.002+10:00

Murphy's law is an adage in Western culture that broadly states: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong."

I never had a slice of bread,
Particularly large and wide,
That did not fall upon the floor,
And always on the buttered side.

Well, I do suppose that, or something of that equivalent, has happened to the best of us. We do often find ourselves in the queerest and tightest of situations. And just when things appear to not get any worse, it one ups itself.

But let's take a step back and look at things from a fresh perspective. Why does toast always land butter side down? Why? The answer lies, my dear friends, in ergonomics.

It was centuries ago that Vitruvius created the perfect man - one of perfect proportion. It was named the Vitruvian Man. (Seriously, go google it if you're lost. You've definitely seen this one.) Also discovered was the Golden Ratio. The proportion that is exceptionally pleasing to the eye. It is of this precise blend of Mathematics and Art that many an artist or architect have based their work on hencewith, but I digress.

Much of this is in relation to the kind of furniture, infrastructure of modern day. You see, without these, we would not have a sense of proportion, and ergonomics would not have come to be. It is this precise pursuit of ergonomics that answers the very question, "why does toast always land butter side down".

Ergonomics is the study of human capabilities in relation to their work demands. Hence, a typically ergonomic dinner table, of a height of say, 1200mm, is optimal to a person of average height sitting down to a good meal. Now this is where physics come into play. When a piece of toast is dropped from a height of 1200mm, a combination of Earth's gravitational force, as well as the piece of toast's stored kinetic energy, causes it to flip 180 degrees and land - butter side down. Had the table been twice the height, it would land, butter side up.

My point being, we are in control of these situations. We are not submissive to Murphy's law. We are the driving force of our lives, and Murphy's law is a weak and feeble attempt by someone who needs something to blame for his/her incompetance.

Let us not blame others for our shortcomings or misfortunes. I say take up ownership. Things happen for a reason. How you deal with it defines the kind of person you are.

Murphy's law? Bullshit.

Death As It Comes

2009-05-06T11:59:00.002+10:00

I just had the weirdest dream.

In it, I was tied to a burning stake, slowly being snuffed to death.
And I remember asking myself, am I ready to die?

Have I accomplished everything I could, what is left that I have not done?
Could I have done anything better?
How will I be remembered?
Do the people I love know how much they are loved?
Have I been the best person I have been?

I remember...

At the end of the dream, right before I woke up.
I said to myself.

Take me lord.

Obsession

2009-05-04T23:56:00.002+10:00

I'm currently obsessed with producing really good looking folios.
Sometimes I wonder... if it is obsessive compulsive behaviour.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

2009-05-04T01:48:00.002+10:00

Twinkle twinkle little star
Why are you so very far?
Up above the world so high
Where we mere mortals watch and sigh

Twinkle twinkle little star
I can see you from my car
You shine above, so bright and gay
The transient light of night from day

Twinkle twinkle little star
I wish to keep you in a jar
That you may keep me safe and sound
So I will smile instead of frown

Twinkle twinkle little star
I love how mysterious you are
I may never know you well
But in my heart you'll always dwell

Twinkle twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are...

Melbourne Records Coldest April Morning for 56 Years

2009-04-30T19:39:00.001+10:00

Melbourne has recorded its chilliest April morning for 56 years.

The celsius in the city plunged to 2.9 degrees at 6.35am, a brisk wake-up call for Melburnians trying to rouse themselves for work.

The cold snap tested records across the city, with some suburbs dropping below freezing, Weather Company meteorologist Brett Dutschke said.

Mr Dutschke said most areas recorded their coldest April morning for decades, with some as much as 10 degrees below the monthly average.

Mount Hotham was the coldest plummeting to minus eight dgrees, 11 degreees below the average and the lowest April temperature ever recorded in Victoria, according to the Bureau of Meterology.

The aptly named Coldstream recorded the greater Melbourne area's lowest temperature, with a frosty -2.7 degrees at 6:30am.

Many other suburbs recorded temperatures of less than 1 degree, with Scoresby managing only 0.3 degrees and Essendon 0.6 degrees.

Over in Melbourne's south-west, Laverton reached 0.4 - its lowest April temperature for 66 years - while Tullamarine struggled to just over a degree.

Mr Dutschke said tomorrow morning would not be as cold due to increasing cloud and a bit more wind, while frosts would only hit east of Melbourne.

The Bureau of Meterology said another cold front was expected to hit the city by mid to late morning tomorrow and said odds were increasing for a wetter than normal winter.

A Bureau of Meterology spokeswoman said Victoria's chilly morning temperatures had been due to a band of cold polar air combined with a high pressure ridge.

She said Melburnians had experienced four consecutive days in a row below 15 degrees for the firs time since 1963.

She said tomorrow's cold front would push west into Victoria this evening and reach Melbourne tomorrow morning bringing isolated showers with it.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/melbourne-records-coldest-april-morning-for-56-years-20090430-anoz.html

Revenge of the Right Brain

2009-04-30T16:23:00.000+10:00

I've been trying to upload my refined pattern designs since yesterday and blogger has done nothing more than a swell job screwing it up. Now I'm kinda pissed and have given up on uploading.

Here's an interesting read handed out by my lecturer during tutorial today. Its all about left brain (normal people) vs right brain (artsy people). I think it made sense. Anyhow, you be the judge of that.

Logical and Precise, left-brain thinking gave us the Information Age. Now comes the Conceptual Age - ruled by artistry, empathy, and emotion.

When I was a kid - growing up in a middle-class family, parents dished out a familiar plate of advice to their children: Get good grades, go to college, and pursue a profession that offers a decent standard of living and perhaps a dollop of prestige.

Tax attorneys, radiologists, financial analysts, software engineers - people who get paid for putting to work what one learns in school rather than for their physical strength or mental skill - were distinguished and enabled to reap society's greatest rewards due to their "ability to acquire and to apply theoretical and analytic knowledge." And any of us could join their ranks. All we had to do was study hard and play by the rules of the meritocratic regime. That was the path to professional success and personal fulfillment.

The world is changing. The future no longer belongs to people who can reason with computer-like logic, speed, and precision. it belongs to a different kind of person with a different kind of mind.

Scientists have long known that a neurological Mason-Dixon line cleaves our brains into two regions - the left and right hemispheres. But in the last 10 years, thanks in part to advances in functional magnetic resonance imaging, researchers have begun to identify more precisely how the two sides divide responsibilities. The left hemisphere handles sequence, literalness, and analysis. The right hemisphere, meanwhile, takes care of context, emotional expression, and synthesis.

Until recently, the abilities that led to success in school, work, and business were characteristic of the left hemisphere. They were the sorts of linear, logical, analytical talents measured by SATs and deployed by CPAs. Today,those capabilities are still necessary. But they are no longer sufficient. In a world upended by outsourcing, deluged with data, and choked with choices, the abilities that matter most are now closer in spirit to the specialities of the right hemisphere - artistry, empathy, seeing the big picture, and pursuing the transcendent.

Beneath the nervous clatter of half-completed decade stirs a slow but seismic shift. The Information Age we all prepared for is ending. Rising in its place is the Conceptual Age, an era in which mastery of abilities that we've often overlooked and undervalued marks the fault line between who gets ahead and who falls behind.

Abstracted from
A Whole New Mind: Moving from the Information Age to the Conceptual Age
Daniel H. Pink

Right brainers can start popping the champagne. Left brainers should not despair, afterall, we right brainers have been undermined for far too long. It's time you got yours. Haha! No I still love left brainers, just something we could all read and debate over.

*When the cold wind blows... I wanna go home.

RMIT: The Design Kingpin

2009-04-28T15:57:00.002+10:00

David Yeates from RMIT, doing a Bachelor of Communication Design has done his course proud

A big congrats to David Yeates from RMIT University, Melbourne who is crowned the Adobe Pixel Mash National Winner of 2009!

Adobe Pixel Mash is a live digital design tournament that pits participants from selected colleges across New South Wales and Victoria against each other. In each round, competitors will be given an image/object/word as impetus. Using their own ideas and unique styles, they will have 15 minutes to cook up an original design!

David was winner of the RMIT round competing against 7 other Communication Design students, and in so doing won a copy of Adobe Creative Suite 4 Design Premium and the opportunity to represent RMIT at the grand final event at Adobe headquarters in Sydney.

He was flown to Sydney for the grand final playoff against 11 other students from: Qantm College, COFA, RMIT TAFE, Swinburne Uni, UTS, Raffles College, AAD, Enmore TAFE, CATC, Holmesglen TAFE, and I.D.E.A.

What does this prove? RMIT is indeed a premium design college and can stand against the world. I don't need NTU. HA!

Patterns Rough Pt 1

2009-04-28T02:27:00.003+10:00

Ok no time to lose.
Tattoos and Patterns are due next week so very quickly, your comments and critiques please.

Patterns project brief shall be uploaded asap.
Basically required to come up with patterns that represent a movie genre.
Constrains are:

no black or white to be used
no strokes

Patterns are defined as a singular motif that replicates itself.
My chosen movie genres are crime, war, and documentary. Should be self-explanatory.

Personally think the documentary one could be explored much further.

Ok fire away.

Tattoo Roughs Pt 1

2009-04-27T00:38:00.004+10:00

Alrighty, here are my roughs for Project 2.0: Tattoo.

This project demands that we research ourselves and pick out qualities that we would like to highlight in our personality through the means of a tattoo.

Here's my rationale. Do note that I have only done up a draft rationale for one of the designs. The final rationale depends largely on general feedback of the designs and which one I pick in the end.

This tattoo embodies several design qualities that represent myself. These are
1. Libra (Western Zodiac)
2. Tiger (Chinese Zodiac)
3. Love and compassion (Qualities of Librans)
4. Cross (Catholism)
5. Tribal art (Signifying family heritage and belonging)
6. Asymmetry (Uniqueness)

The symbol for Libra is used as a centerpiece as it is the sign that embodies most of my qualities and hence the object I most relate to.

The heart sits above the symbol for love and compassion are the strongest qualities of a Libran.

The heart is also fashioned after a tiger because love and compassion are the common traits between my Western and Chinese astrological signs.

The entire tattoo is shaped in a cross as a tribute to my religion, and what I believe in.

Tribal art is used as many tribes tattoo themselves to signify unity and belonging. The tribal design is significant of the strong family influence and heritage that is inherent in me.

The tattoo is asymmetrical as a symbol of uniqueness and individualism. The want to be different and not to be a conformist.

Once again, these designs are open for critique. Lots of comments NOW!

Meanwhile, I shall be working on my Studio C project: Patterns. More as we move along yeah?

It's freezing cold in Melbourne right now...

Making Shrewd Investments

2009-04-25T12:15:00.003+10:00

I've been telling Yang this could be turned into a case study for Marketing students in the future.
Good investments vs bad investments.

Here's the story.

Yang went down to Queen Victoria Markets one day to do some grocery shopping when he stumbled upon a fruit store selling strawberries at an obscenely cheap price.
"$0.50 a box!" said the grocer, "or $3 for a tray of 10 boxes".
The grocer went on to warn of the $3 strawberries, that there may be some that are already moldy, but you could still pick out the good ones.

Yang's dilemma now was whether to get a good box of strawberries for $0.50, or a tray of 10 boxes for $3, even though the $3 ones MAY have some moldy strawberries.

Students, present your case.

* For those interested, the plastic bag of strawberries on the RIGHT (yes, the one with significantly MORE strawberries) are the ones that were MOLDY. Now, would you rather go for $0.50 or $3?

The Ills of Photo Booth

2009-04-22T16:24:00.003+10:00

Camwhoring at its worst.

City Of Angels Part II

2009-04-20T15:43:00.003+10:00

I've redone the City of Angels.
Hopefully you guys would find this more appealing.
For the uninitiated, Los Angeles is the City of Angels. And this is a metephorical depiction of it.
Open to critique - fire away.

*Blogger's being a bitch about uploads so my picture is awkwardly in portrait. Save and rotate on your com ;)

Looking forward to Project 2.0 for studio A.
TATTOOS!

English

2009-04-20T00:34:00.007+10:00

Ok apologies for the unannounced sabbatical.
Shawn had to take a break from wrecking his brains for a publishable read.

I've been wondering for quite some time, how it is that the English language is so fixed, yet so beautifully fluid. Before you go wondering why Shawn's going wax philosophical on the subject of English, sit back and reflect on the times where you have thought a finite amount of synonyms are assigned to an adjective, only to discover that one more that you have previously so blatantly overlooked.

I've always loved the language and the ambiguity that comes with it. The ability to mold and form sentences. The power of the written word. How the pen is sharper than the sword. How a play of words can steer a topic in a completely different direction. How words can be deliciously minced, but hated nonetheless. How the emphasis on certain syllables could spell the difference between sincerity and sarcasm.

Some idioms make no linguistic sense, but how we love them nevertheless.
Expect the unexpected, doesn't that contradict itself?
Misconceptions and misunderstandings, led on to becoming the norm because everyone is equally confused.
Irregardless (if there's such a word) - does it not negate itself?

The dictionary is full of amazing words that are hardly used. And the beauty of those words will be lost soon if they are not used more. The dictionary is expanding with each passing year. Words such as internet, cyber, and WYSIWYG have found their way into the hallowed pages. Yet seldom used words such as ubique, ecbatic, and salacious are being lost to the influx of new words.

I have an abstract from 1980s British sitcom Blackadder that demonstrates the importance of knowing our words so as not to be lost should the word arise. This is taken from the episode "Ink and Incapability" and is a conversation between Edmund Blackadder, Prince George, and Dr Johnson, who has just finished compiling the first ever dictionary.

E denotes Edmund Blackadder
G denotes Prince George
J denotes Dr Johnson

J: (places two manuscripts on the table, but picks up the top one)
Here it is, sir: the very cornerstone of English scholarship. This book,
sir, contains every word in our beloved language.

G: Hmm.

E: Every single one, sir?

J: (confidently) Every single word, sir!

E: (to Prince) Oh, well, in that case, sir, I hope you will not object if
I also offer the Doctor my most enthusiastic contrafribblarities.

J: What?

E: `Contrafribblarites', sir? It is a common word down our way.

J: Damn! (writes in the book)

E: Oh, I'm sorry, sir. I'm anus-peptic, phrasmotic, even compunctious to have
caused you such pericombobulation.

J: What? What? WHAT?

G: What are you on about, Blackadder? This is all beginning to sound a bit
like dago talk to me.

E: I'm sorry, sir. I merely wished to congratulate the Doctor on not having
left out a single word. (J sneers) Shall I fetch the tea, Your Highness?

G: Yes, yes -- and get that damned fire up here, will you?

E: Certainly, sir. I shall return interphrastically. (exits) (J writes some
more)

Let me end by stating that people might see language as a "dead" subject, but if you explore it deeply enough, there are much more possibilities to unfold.

*Apologies for the extremely microscopic font size used for the script abstract. Squint if you must, but the rewards are no doubt immense! LOL!

To Lead, To Excel, To Overcome

2009-04-12T16:47:00.002+10:00

I am an officer of the Singapore Armed Forces

My Duty is to lead, to excel, and to overcome.

I lead my men by example
I answer for their training, morale, and discipline

I must excel in everything I do
I serve with pride, honour, and integrity

I will overcome adversity with
Courage, fortitude, and determination

I dedicate my life to Singapore

I can't help but relate the significance of this creed to the way we lead our lives.
The day I was first introduced to this creed, up to the day I proudly recited it during my commissioning parade. Even now, I recall the words of this creed with a sense of pride and reverence. Apart from the patriotic start and end, the body pretty much embodies the core values of our lives.

I will overcome adversity with COURAGE, FORTITUDE, and DETERMINATION.

Does the Officer's Creed parallel your own?
I think it does mine.

Life is Beautiful

2009-04-11T11:45:00.002+10:00

Holiday season just swept Melbourne city with a vengeance!
We're talking Easter here, and apparently the Aussies take it very seriously.

Easter marks the end of a long period of Lent and the rising of Jesus. Here, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday are observed religiously. Good luck finding any shops open during Easter season. Intended to go shopping yesterday but DAMN all the shops were close! And you know what? The only shops that were open were manned by chinese.. talk about spoiling the market eh? LOL!

Great Ocean Road coming up! I'm thoroughly looking forward to it and even finished my holiday assignments waaaaaaaaay before deadline (that's gotta be a first!).

I'm heading off for touch soon. Damn it's cold as shit... I need to shop for winter sports wear bad!